Jasmin Lindenmeir

Little Tiger has acquired The Forest Is a Part of Me, an inspiring picture book from climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti, illustrated by Michelle Pereira. Managing Editor Isabel Otter acquired world rights for the book directly from the author.

This is a thought-provoking and enchanting biographical picture book that tells the powerful story of Elizabeth Wathuti’s lifelong work to protect her homeland from deforestation. It is also the story of a relationship between a little girl and the forest – a moving love letter and an inspiring call to action.

Isabel Otter said:

Elizabeth Wathuti is a remarkable woman – at the age of 20 she founded the Green Generation Initiative, which is responsible for planting and managing over 6.5 million trees. The Forest Is a Part of Me is a powerful, inspirational tale of hope, showing that no one is too small to make a difference. We are very proud to be publishing Elizabeth’s debut picture book.

Elizabeth Wathuti’s said:

The Forest Is Part of Me was inspired by my own story of planting my first tree at the age of seven; a moment that awakened my lifelong connection to nature and my passion to make a difference for people, our planet and for prosperity. Today, I continue to grow millions of trees across Kenya through my organization, Green Generation Initiative, while inspiring young people in Kenya, across the African continent and worldwide. Through this book, I hope children everywhere can rediscover that same sense of wonder, empathy and responsibility for the natural world while they are still young. Our future depends on how we nurture that bond today, because when we protect the forest – when we protect nature – we are really protecting a part of ourselves.

Michelle Pereira said:

I was drawn to this project because I have fond memories of my childhood in Kenya. We lived in an apartment block near the Nairobi National Park, and from the rooftop you could see the savannah stretch into the horizon. Sometimes there’d be moving silhouettes in the distance of elephants or giraffes that came close to graze. I find nature inspiring and I was very moved by Elizabeth’s words, which reflect her deep love and connection to the natural world around us. I’ve used digital tools to draw these illustrations, but I like to mimic how I’d normally draw with traditional mediums, such as pencils.

 Little Tiger will publish The Forest Is a Part of Me in September 2026.

Elizabeth Wathuti O.G.W is a multi-award-winning Kenyan environmentalist and globally recognized young climate leader with a Head of State Commendation in the order of the Grand Warrior for her work and leadership in environmental conservation (O.G.W).

She is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Green Generation Initiative, an action-driven organization nurturing an environmentally conscious citizenry through locally led environmental restoration – growing millions of trees in 605 schools across Kenya and with communities, climate education and community resilience projects.

She is a TIME100 Impact Award honouree, and one of the Commissioners on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. Elizabeth has been named Africa Green Person of the year as well as one of Africa’s Most influential young people. She also leads the African Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA). Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire action on climate, environmental conservation and restoration, youth-led climate innovation and locally driven action, and sustainable development, making her one of the most influential voices of her generation.

Green Generation Initiative website: www.greengenerationinitiative.org

 Twitter: @lizwathuti

Michelle Pereira grew up in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her children’s book illustrations include texture and bold geometric design, with a focus on women and inclusivity.